1995 Johnson/Evinrude Outboards 40 thru 55 2-Cylinder Service Manual, Page 330Get this manual
Outboard Shift System and Persons Safety The outboard Shift System starts here at the remote control lever
and ends here at the propeller
What's Most Important? When control lever is in "Forward," "Neutral" or Reverse" position,
J_-What Could Happen? .If
Shift linkage must match control lever position
Forward or Reverse propeller still powered (turning) unknown to operator, or motor will Start in Gear, boat will move suddenly
.Reverse
boat will move Opposite to direction wanted by operator